CHANNEL Ten has undergone a radical shake-up of its under-performing morning schedule, axeing The Circle and cutting its ailing Breakfast program by half an hour.

The last episode of the Logie-award winning chat show The Circle will air this Friday, August 3 and will be replaced by the Sara Gilbert-hosted US talk show The Talk.

The axing was announced following a management meeting at 10am this morning, where it was widely assumed Breakfast, which has around 30,000 viewers, would get the boot.

Fans of The Circle took to Twitter to vent their frustration, with Stella Young saying; "So Channel 10 axes The Circle, a show by kind, intelligent, passionate women, but The Shire gets to stay? Wow"

And @rhysnicholson also questioned the network's decision. "Really, axing The Circle? At least it had viewers. Cancel Breakfast. Not even the presenters are watching it," he tweeted.

However, Breakfast did not escape the wrath altogether. It will now air from 6am-8.30am to make way for children's format Wurrawhy at 8.30am, followed by The Talk at 9am, Ten Morning News presented by Ron Wilson at 10am, former Nine staple Entertainment Tonight at 11am, and its spin off The Insider at 11.30am from Monday, August 6.

"The decision to cease production of The Circle is unfortunate and was not taken lightly. But tight fiscalcontrol and cost discipline are a core part of our strategy," Network Ten chief executive, James Warburton said in a statement.

The Circle has struggled to find an audience since it first aired in February 2010, with less than half the viewers of rivals Mornings and The Morning Show.

It also suffered when host Chrissie Swan departed late last year, followed by a backlash over derogatory comments made by host Yumi Stynes about war hero Ben Roberts-Smith.

The tsunami-like public out cry against Stynes and the show was long and loud with the show losing support from viewers and some sponsors. Ten has been reluctant to promote the program in case the issue gets raised again.

Ten chief executive James Warburton thanked all staff who have worked on the program in a public statement.

"The decision to cease production of The Circle is unfortunate and was not taken lightly. But tight fiscal control and cost discipline are a core part of our strategy."

Ten head of news and current affairs Anthony Flannery added: "Ten remains focused on providing viewers with a comprehensive news and current affairs line-up from breakfast to bedtime, with Breakfast, Ten News at Five, The Project, Ten Late News and now Ten Morning News."

The reaction on Twitter has been mostly supportive of The Circle crew:

cameron adams ‏@cameron_adams Channel 10 axe The Circle to save money for more quality programming like The Shire and Being Lara Bingle #videohitsflashbacks

Andrew McClelland ‏@Andy_McClelland So a 'Save the @thecircle_ten' group went up on facey within an hour. Thank you internet people. You're nice.

Adam Boland ‏@AdamBoland7 Thoughts are with The Circle team. Making hours of live TV each day isn't easy. They should be proud of their achievements. #thecircle

Sam Mac (McMillan) ‏@MrSamMac Sad news about the end of @thecircle_ten. As a tribute, I'm flying my Ahh Bra at half mast today.

Clementine Ford ‏@clementine_ford Very disappointed that Channel Ten has axed The Circle in favour of imported American shows.

Helen Razer ‏@HelenRazerOne of our few televised forums for civic debate is gone. Vale @thecircle_ten, the product of a liaison between #qanda and the Ab King Pro.

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Comments on this story

sw Posted at 5:54 PM July 30, 2012

Can't believe this is chopped and the stupid 'breakfast' is still on. Paul Henry is a total liability, makes me cringe and I watched it once and never again. The Circle had some interesting discussions and panels. Vale The Circle

Shaun A of Melbourne Posted at 5:51 PM July 30, 2012

Glad Breakfast survived and wish more people would watch it - it's smarter, funnier and more straight down the line compared to the other breakfast shows! Paul Henry only offends people because he's blunt and honest.

mature enough to know Posted at 5:51 PM July 30, 2012

It probably would have had more success if the presenters had not leant so far to the left, but there you go. I know I won't be shedding any tears over the demise.

Nerissa of Hunter Valley Posted at 5:50 PM July 30, 2012

I agree with Ben. Paul Henry from "Breakfast" should be cut from TV completely - he's an arrogant hog - I feel sorry for his co-hosts and cringe whenever I accidentally catch a bit of that show. I would rather watch the intelligent, funny and inclusive hosts of The Circle any day of the week!

punk of broken hill Posted at 5:49 PM July 30, 2012

good idea to axe the circle - it was an imitation of an American show and didn't cut it because the members of the circle are not that bright or interesting.

Michael Hamilton Posted at 5:38 PM July 30, 2012

The show has been axed!! I wonder why Yumi?

Matt R Posted at 5:36 PM July 30, 2012

If I wanted to hear the sheltered opinion of a bunch of whining women, I would go to a coffee shop and sit there. About time this crap was axed!!

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